Fredericke Lee Parris
March 26, 1936 ~ January 13, 2022
Born in:
Milford, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Fredericke Lee Parris, 85, of Hamden, beloved husband of Emma Holmes Parris, passed away on January 13, 2022 after a brief illness. Born in Milford, CT, he was the son of the late Ferdinando and Edna Parris. He was the founder and leader of The 5 Satins, known for the immortal classic “In the Still of the Night (I’ll Remember).” Fred was a 1986 Grammy Award Nominee and inducted into the 1998 Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. Fred was also a lifetime member of SAG/AFTRA and the Academy of Country Music, and a Jazz Haven honoree. He proudly served in the US Army from 1955-1957 and was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in New Haven.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children; Shawn (Lydia), Rene (Yvon), and Fred (Andrea), a stepdaughter; Evonne Johnson, eight grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Marjorie Fowler and Elizabeth Wentt.
A private service of remembrance will be held by his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to a middle/high school music program of your choosing. Arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
Fred,
Please accept my condolences to you and your family at this time.
RIP Fred! I remember meeting you over 50 years ago when I worked at the phone company. My thoughts are with your family and all those who loved you. Will think of you every time I hear In The Still Of The Night!
God bless You Fred and your family. Thank you for the unforgettable music.You make New Haven more historic than Eli Whitney
Many people knew and loved Fred as an entertainer. Through my radio show I came to know him as a friend. 49 years ago Fred agreed to make an appearance on my radio show. We became friends on that night and remained friends from that day forward. RIP my friend. I will continue to play your music and cherish the memories forever.
Jim ‘The Curator’ Santa Barbara
WESU, Middletown
To Freddie, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. May he rest in peace.
Your friend, Jack O’Donnell
So sorry. Please accept are condolences.
He has not gone away. He has begun a journey that will brighten the sky as he watches over you.
With deepest sympathy to Emma and family. Sonny & Loretta Miller
Marty and Linda ganter(the academics)
To Shawn, Rene and Freddie,
My deepest condolences to you and your families. You should know that everybody (all the kids) in the Clifton and Russell Street neighborhood, back in the day, always held all three of you in high regard, not because we knew your father was famous or a celebrity, but because all three of you were all good/kind to everybody, fun to be around, and always a friend to all.
Thank you and God bless.
With deepest sympathy for you and your family God bless richee Mags
Through your wonderful music, I felt like I knew you even before I knew you. But I am blessed to have had the chance to know you for real. The pleasure you have brought to so many people will live on forever. Rest in peace, Fred.
May you Rest In Peace Fred and be with the Lord. Prayers and condolences 🙏 go out to Emma and the Parris family. He was an awesome talent and performer a great writer and even a better person. I met him at Cutlers Record Shop in the 70’s while I was attending broadcasting school in Conn.. Then almost 10 yrs. later at a gig at the Club Bene in N.J. with The Elegants after the show I went to say hi and we talked a little while and he remembered me when we met at the record store. What a warm gentle man he was and generous with his time at both meetings. I will remember him and the memories. He will as well as you Emma and families will always in my prayers. He’s singing with all the angels and all the talent who have gone before him.
Fred, you never met me, but as a young 16 year old doo-wop fan, your music will forever be cherished and loved by me. You were an amazing person, singer, and inspiration to me. The impact you had on everyone, including myself, will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Fred.
Condolences to the family.Freddy leaves behind a legacy with his music that new generations will come to know! In the Still of the Night is a rock and roll classic that will forever be remembered. As a fellow local singer/entertainer I am proud to say that song was recorded right here at St. Bernadette Church basement!
Emma, you are never alone. I’ve never seen a man look at his wife with such adoration. Remember the words from I’ll be seeing you…..he’s right there🙏💔🙏❤️ Betsy
On June 4, 1995 I attended a dedication ceremony that was held at St Bernadette Church in New Haven. The program from that ceremony stated that the dedication of a plaque was to commemorate “the historic occasion of the recording “In the Still of the Night” a song that will live forever”. I was so excited and honored to be present at that dedication ceremony. I got to shake Mr. Parris’ hand and he signed my program. That one beautiful song encapsulates the genre of Doo Wop music and is, to this day, my all time favorite song. It truly is a song that will live forever. My sincere condolences to all of family and friends. He will live on through his music.
My Deepest Condolences.May God Bless You And Your Family.
Anita Williamson
To Emma Parris and Family: Please accept my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband Fred. It was the thrill of a lifetime to have met you and Fred at the Longhorn and indulged in taking pictures. Thank you and Fred for spending time conversing with us regarding the music of that sensational doo-wop era. May he rest in eternal peace and now share his magnificent voice singing to the Lord.
My condolences to the family
Years ago I worked at a convenience store. Mr. Parris came in to buy a few things. I thanked him for his music. He was so kind and genuine, and he took the time to speak to me for a few minutes. I never forgot that day.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. God bless your family.
Rene’ my deepest sympathy to you and your family as you celebrate and remember the life of your father. God’s continued blessings to you all
Blessings to the family. Love you all.
To Emma and family, I was soo heartbroken when I heard of Fred’s passing. It was such a pleasure to have met Fred and you at the Longhorn Rest. the day of my birthday. Fred made a lot of people so happy with his songs and appearances. Rest in eternal peace with the Lord and may he shine upon you everyday. We loved meeting him with you..such a precious couple….
Prayers are out to you with the passing of your Dad
He gave us so much love listening to him Singing In the Sill of the Night
God Bless
Suzanne
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Ron Vecellio
Our VCH, Veterans Coffee House, meets monthly at the Wlfd Senior Center which not only gives our Vets the chance to socialize but also take part in enjoying a guest speaker which are related to military topics, slide presentations and Q&A. At this very difficult time, our group would like to honor the loss of Fredericke Parris as a fallen brother. Our military Veterans send out their heartfelt condolences to the Parris family and friends. As an Army Veteran, he had joined an elite group of honorable men and our Country will forever be in his debt.
Our VCH, Veterans Coffee House meets monthly at the Wlfd Senior Center which not only gives our Vets the chance to socialize but also take part in enjoying a guest speaker which are related to military topics, slide presentations and Q&A. At this very difficult time, our group would like to honor the loss of Fredericke Parris as a fallen brother. Our military Veterans send out their heartfelt condolences to the Parris family and friends. As an Army Veteran, he had joined an elite group of honorable men and our Country will forever be in his debt.
I never met Fred, but I new his music. It was romantic and peaceful, it lifted your heart and soul. May the good Lord and his son Jesus send him and all who sang with him on a peaceful mission singing into the hearts and souls of everyone to show and have Love and Peace for each other.
Rest in Peace Fred